Child prostitution tops sexual tourism

Child prostitution has topped the list of the most common Child Sexual Tourism (CST) in the country, a new report has indicated.

Findings from the Global Study on Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism, Ghana –Section 2015 revealed that 30 out of 44 respondents, approximately 68.2 percent, selected child prostitution as the common form of CST in tourist destinations.

Other manifestations of CTS selected by the respondents, which are in the minimum levels, included child pornography, 26.7 percent and child marriage, 20 percent.

Berimah Kwesi Amankwah, Acting National Coordinator of Ghana NGO Coalition on the Right of the Child (GNCRC), presenting the findings of the study conducted in vibrant travel and tourism areas of Takoradi, Cape Coast and Accra, said girls are the most victims.

“Approximately 97 percent of respondents believe that girls are the main victims of CST while boys represent 3.3 percent,” he said.

He further noted that men mainly exploit minors, both girls and boys, aged as low as 13.

“Boys are believed to be mostly sexually exploited by international travelers from the West (mainly mentioned are the US and Europe) and Asia (mainly mentioned are China and Korea) altogether referred to as white people locally,” he said.

The study also found out that socioeconomic factors such as poverty and lack of family support system contributes to CST.

Mr. Amankwah said although the country has enacted adequate child protection laws and policies, the issue of CST is subsumed under sexual offences and not specifically captured in these laws and policies.

“Alleged corruption among law enforcement officers was cited as a serious setback to the effective protection of children from CST,” he said.

The GNCRC recommended the empowerment of parents and families to be able to support their children, as well as raise awareness and sensitization on CST among key stakeholders, including parents.

“Social services for victims should be scaled up and improved across the country while existing child protection laws need to be amended to make specific reference to CST.

There is also the need for government to adequately resource the law enforcement agencies to fully protect children from sexual exploitation by tourists and travelers,” he said.

Nana Ohemaa Adwoa Awindor, chairperson of the event, who launched the report, urged media practitioners to support the fight against CST since the study blames the media.